Parc Olbius Riquier, Botanical garden and zoo in Hyères, France
Parc Olbius Riquier is a seven-hectare park featuring collections of palm trees, bamboo plants, and succulent species arranged around a central lake with a waterfall. The grounds also include a greenhouse and open areas where free-roaming animals move about among garden visitors.
The park was established following an 1868 bequest by Olbius Hippolyte Antoine Riquier and opened in 1872 as an extension of the Paris Acclimatation Garden. This collection grew as part of the European movement to bring exotic plants into public garden spaces.
The park reflects Mediterranean design approaches while bringing in exotic plant species from tropical regions displayed in its greenhouse. This blend of local and distant botanical worlds lets visitors experience different growing zones all in one location.
The park is free to enter and best visited between April and September, opening from 7:30 AM until sunset. Visitors can enjoy activities such as pony rides and a small train ride, which are especially appealing to children.
Free-roaming peacocks inhabit the grounds while mallards swim in the ponds, creating surprising encounters between wildlife and garden design. This natural coexistence makes each visit unpredictable and offers glimpses into the region's animal life.
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